New Veterans Service Office Opens In Passaic County

PATERSON, NJ — A state Veterans Service Office opened in Passaic County this past week, as part of a state effort to ensure each New Jersey county has a dedicated office to help local veterans with a variety of services.

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) and county administrators held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday for the office, which is located in the Passaic County Administration Building (401 Grand Street, Paterson). Hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Friday.

Trained Veterans Service Officers at this location will be able to assist or give guidance to veterans on employment issues, filing claims, and accessing education, counseling, housing, social and medical services at the state or federal level.

In the 2024 Fiscal Year budget, Gov. Murphy and legislators included $500,000 so that all 21 counties in the state have Veterans Service Offices. Other counties included in the expansion are Camden County, Cape May County, Union County, Middlesex County, Salem County and Warren County.

Murphy and Brig. Gen. General Lisa J. Hou, who is the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, both highlighted the importance of ensuring service members, veterans, and their families can get access to benefits.

“Our veterans and service members deserve access to local support that will help them and their families get the benefits they need,” Murphy said in a statement.

"We will continue this work on behalf of the many courageous heroes who have served our country."

Hou, who also serves as the Adjutant General for the state of New Jersey, said the work will continue to better serve those who have served int he state, and their families.

“This office will serve as a helpful, one-stop resource for those who have served, as we work to expand access to assistance in every county throughout the state," Hou said. "I wish to thank our partners in the Legislature and Passaic County government for their shared commitment to providing accessible services to our Garden State heroes.”